KAIJU FIGHT #5

[synfluxmods]

KAIJU FIGHT #5

CONTENT WARNINGS: cult-like symbols and implications, brainwashing.

▶ 001. LORD OF THE FOREST.

Throughout the days leading up until October 15th, the captives will be forced down to the dungeons for their “punishments” to be doled out. All of the punishments seem to be completed methodically, almost as if the followers of the Lord of the Forest had centuries of experience. While no explanation is given, it becomes clear that the sacrificial ritual has begun. While the Outsiders may not be privy to what this entails, there is one rule that will be have made clear to them: once the ritual begins, it can no longer be stopped. However, there is still a sliver of hope. On the morning of the 15th, a small message will have been pushed out by LILITH. While they haven't completely reestablished their connection to the network, they are able to get something out.

█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME:
HEIGHT: Ư̴͚͈̓͊̅͐́̇͛̂͌̏͠Ņ̷̧͕̣̦͉̟̣̽̽̌̓̈́͒̈́́̔̊̚͜͝K̷̗͖̜̟̮̬̜̳̍̈́̽͝Ǹ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̹̆̃
WEIGHT: Ư̴͚͈̓͊̅͐́̇͛̂͌̏͠Ņ̷̧͕̣̦͉̟̣̽̽̌̓̈́͒̈́́̔̊̚͜͝K̷̗͖̜̟̮̬̜̳̍̈́̽͝Ǹ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̹̆̃
CLASS: Ư̴͚͈̓͊̅͐́̇͛̂͌̏͠Ņ̷̧͕̣̦͉̟̣̽̽̌̓̈́͒̈́́̔̊̚͜͝K̷̗͖̜̟̮̬̜̳̍̈́̽͝Ǹ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̹̆̃
LOCATION: BRAȘOV, TRANSYLVANIA.
ABILITIES: Ư̴͚͈̓͊̅͐́̇͛̂͌̏͠Ņ̷̧͕̣̦͉̟̣̽̽̌̓̈́͒̈́́̔̊̚͜͝K̷̗͖̜̟̮̬̜̳̍̈́̽͝Ǹ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̹̆̃
WEAKNESSES: SUNLIGHT, HOLǸ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̹̆̃Y REǸ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̹̆̃S, GK̷̗͖̜̟̮̬̜̳̍̈́̽͝Ǹ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̆̃
EXTRA NOTES:

It is an incredibly sparse message. It seems to be working with any information the ocular implants were able to detect in that second, and the information gets fed back in the form of a distorted debrief sheet. However, it does act as a sign that LILITH is still actively working on gaining access to their communication lines once more, and are tirelessly working to send help. With this sudden jolt of a message, they will feel an extremely heavy disturbance composed entirely of rift energy—it appears that whatever kaiju is dwelling here is able to effectively work with the rift in order to negate abilities. But perhaps the clues all strung together have already painted a similar picture as to what is to come, and to what to continue to expect.

Now that the sacrifices have all but been made, it is time for the Lord of the Forest to be summoned.

All captives who have been forcefully dragged, or psychologically drawn to the dungeons, will find themselves face-to-face with the Lord of the Forest, also known by their title of PRICOLICI. The creature is a bit difficult to make out due to its ability to shape-shift: at times mimicking a human wearing some sort mask in the form of a wolf’s skull, and at others, taking on a form of a monstrous wolf-like creature that awaits all Outsiders— those presently within the dungeon, and those that exist outside of it, ready to be lured in.

Or that should be the case, but The Lord of the Forest appears to be a kaiju unlike all others. While it is summoned for a brief period in which the Outsiders bear witness to its true form, it seems to disperse back into the rift soon afterwards, much like savoring each of its sacrifices in a temporary state of hibernation.

(Note: Details of the specific events that happened leading up until this point can be accessed on the kidnapped log. Please be advised that there are heavy trigger warnings for these topics.)

▶ 002. FIND THE CAPTIVES.

Due to their brief communication and joint efforts following the network post, it becomes clear that all signs point to Bran Castle as the place where the captives are being held. This becomes ever more apparent as the fog gradually begins to lift, and the outline of the castle can finally be seen from the distance of the forest’s perimeter.

If there were still any doubts surrounding Bran Castle as a place of interest, many of the villagers will instantly form large groups in order to stop Outsiders from heading towards the castle. They will spare no effort to achieve this. What initially starts off as peaceful dissuasion and psychological tactics, such as using the children to cling to the Outsiders leg and crocodile tears… quickly escalates to outright fighting with pitchforks and other makeshift weapons from the farm. Additionally, Outsiders who have purchased the poison dagger from LILITH will find that the “safety” on it is released, and they can be utilized on the locals with no need for additional clearance. It looks like the network wasn't the only thing affected by the spotty connection.

In this skirmish, the Outsiders trying to make their way to the castle will find that a handful of these villagers aren’t your run-of-the-mill farmers. They’re stronger, faster, and the Outsiders will discover that they have incredibly sharp teeth. They are vampires! Or, an entity that seems close enough to the ones of legends. They will not only be attempting to fight Outsiders off, but will also resort to biting them. If an Outsider is bitten, their bodies will feel almost feverish, as if an incredibly slow-acting poison has entered their bloodstream. But, being bitten by a villager does not guarantee one to be turned. While it is possible, it is a much lower chance.

Once Outsiders do make it to the castle, they will find that there will be several more attendants from the castle waiting for them at the gates, all prepared to fight tooth and nail to prevent their entry. It’s clear the objective becomes to break past them and find the dungeons below the castle!

▶ 003. THE DUNGEON OF CASTLE BRAN.

Following the pathways of the castle to the dungeons below will not be easy. All the attendants present seem to have been waiting for them behind every nook and cranny of the castle. Outsiders will be met with their fervent attempts to stop them. It is a matter of life or death for the attendants and like the villagers, they seem to have no issue with throwing their own necks out in order to preserve the sanctity of their ritual.

Outsiders will also find various areas in which wolfsbane will be in bloom. Unlike typical wolfsbane these seem particular potent and will make the air taste bitter, and cause tingles, nausea, and hypotension if exposed to for too long. It appears even the attendants avoid them to a degree.

For those who make it to the dungeons, they will find that it is a lot bigger than it appears on the surface. A lot of its structure seems to lead deep underground, suggesting that it may even extend further out from the perimeter of the castle itself. There is a certain smell to the place that cannot be masked, years of sacrifices evident in every inch of its walls. There are over hundreds of cells, some still holding skeletal remains, alongside other ancient looking items: an old book, a worn out doll, a bloodied servant’s apron—they all appear to be pieces from a past that was long forgotten.

The Outsiders will not get to explore easily, however. As soon as they make their way past the threshold where the cells are all lined out, they will feel a chill up their spine. It's almost as if eyes are watching them in the dark, and they are. If they look up, they will realize there are hundreds of bats with glistening teeth that are all lining the ceiling, all lying in wait. They are minions of the Lord of the Forest, and their supersonic screams can stun and cause momentary deafness.

To make matters worse, it is not just their sharp teeth that hurt on impact, but they have a keen thirst for blood similar to the villagers. Being bitten by one will cause the Outsider to potentially begin to lose control of themselves and will have an insatiable thirst for blood, even at the expense of their fellow teammates. Additionally, those who are bitten will find themselves moderately more susceptible to psychic brain washing, and may cause them to momentarily join the enemies side.

▶ 004. THE FINAL RESCUE.

While the battle has already started within the village and the castle, suddenly the familiar ping of their oculars will alert them to the following message from Yamakawa—

"Angels of LILITH, we have connection. Rescue your team mates no matter the cost!"

With the connection reestablished, the main objective of the mission becomes one thing: RESCUE. For Outsiders who may have still been left at the village, or engaged within their own horrors, they are all advised to head to the dungeons as soon as possible. The coordinates for the deepest cells are sent alongside directions, with a constant warning to avoid direct contact with the kaiju there. The kaiju has long been absorbing rift energy and LILITH strongly advises against any attempts to engage with it until more information is known.

After half an hour, LILITH gives formal clearance to kill anyone interfering with the mission. Villagers, cult members, anyone. This includes Outsiders who may have temporarily been brainwashed, with the caveat of bringing back their bodies as they may be able to save them.

As they get further into the dungeons, they will find themselves susceptible to the side effects of rift poisoning. It is far more potent with each step, and will take laser focus to make one's way all the way to the last holding cells. There they will find the several of the castle’s most devout followers desperately calling out for The Lord of the Forest, as if summoning its presence.

…


…

…

… and The Lord of the Forest answers the cries of its followers. The initial part of this battle is difficult as the kaiju's abilities paired with the abnormalities of the rift result in weakening the powers of all living organisms around him, including the powers of the Outsiders. However, due to the phases of the moon, its abilities to nerf powers seem to have diminished slightly - they are able to use their abilities at a lower output, or at times they will find their abilities can cut in and out. After five to ten minutes of the Outsiders actually engaging the creature, they will find LILITH has effectively sealed the rift below the dungeons. It is far from perfectly done, but will allow the Outsiders the window of opportunity to use their all in their battle with the Lord of the Forest before backup arrives.

█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: PRICOLICI
HEIGHT: VARIES
WEIGHT: VARIES
CLASS: EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
LOCATION: BRAȘOV, TRANSYLVANIA
ABILITIES: SHAPESHIFTING, IMMORTALITY, NIGHT VISION, SUPER STRENGTH
WEAKNESSES: SUNLIGHT, HOLY RELICS, GARLIC, WOLFSBANE
EXTRA NOTES: This kaiju has a malicious intent to all humans besides those who praise it. It's said it will bless all of its followers abundantly on this Earth and grant them immortal life.

The battle against the PRICOLICI will not be made easy, especially as its weaknesses are not as straightforward to tap in as most elements. However, LILITH will provide utmost support for the Outsiders who want to try their hand at defeating it. While it was once believed to be immortal, perhaps due to the disconnection of the rift and the moon, it does seem weaker the longer the Outsiders engage with it. There are also pockets in which wolfsbane bloom in secret in the dungeon, and the PRICOLICI will evade these specific areas, as well as any places containing holy relics.

▶ 005. AFTERMATH.

The remaining villagers do their utmost in attempting to ground the LILITH medical cruiser, using cannons and other primitive weapons against it. Fortunately, they do not succeed. With the LILITH medical crew all present, they begin their work promptly. Outsiders can not only use the medical cruiser as a temporary base and resting point, but those with severe injuries are ushered in for emergency surgeries and other necessary procedures. Those who can heal are encouraged to take care of the ones with less major injuries in order to lighten the load on LILITH’s medical robots... and Dr. Spim, of course.

When the final battle finally winds down, several more mission objectives crop up. While no formal decision is pushed on the Outsiders this time, they are given several choices.

Although LILITH has permitted Outsiders to take their own stance in whether they want to kill those involved in the ritual, including the villagers, they do state the final request to spare the children, which they plan to bring back to Neo Tokyo. Those who do not wish to engage in the taking of lives will be encouraged to continue assisting and escorting any injured Outsiders. Finally, all Outsiders are tasked to take with them any goods that LILITH could benefit from, including any sources of food.

Once this has all been completed, they will all be encouraged to leave Transylvania behind.

Back at base, they are presently working on the cure for those who were bitten and turned. While the brainwashing element has been resolved through persuasion tech, it wasn't possible for them to fully reverse the other side effects. LILITH staff are requesting those affected to remain indoors until they figure out what they need in order to completely rid them of this ailment.

(Note: The above mission objectives in this section are all optional! Please remember that you only need to engage in the plots and ideas you are comfortable with. If you would prefer your character to leave early to take the others back to recover at base, that is completely fine. We want this to be flexible and for people to play with what inspires them. You are also free to come up with other ways your character can help during this time, as long as it does not break any game rules.)

▶ 006. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to fifth kaiju log!

Thanks to the Outsiders' efforts, they were able to engage with the kaiju in this fight. Due to them piecing the clues of the skulls helping to destroy the fog, they were able to gain access to Bran Castle. As they have also kept their suspicions of the villagers, some even including to sacrifice them, they were able to unearth them being associated with the cult, and able to uncover their involvement. Outsiders were also able to add wolfsbane as a weakness to the kaiju due to the messages exchanged between the kidnapped and non-kidnapped - and so this detail was also added into the log. We appreciate everyone’s engagement in this and hope you have fun with this outcome!

Feel free to NPC your characters' fights with the minions. The main fight with the largest one will be determined via a HP-based system (See below). Feel free to ask any other questions below! Additionally, we did clarify some questions in regards to vampires/general weaknesses here, as well!

For the vampire prompts, feel free to work with the setting in how you want your character to experience being turned, and potentially turning others. It was made vague to allow flexibility, so if you'd like to have your character just feed off of people without turning them, that works. If they want to turn all their friends, that is also 100% okay. Those who have been turned are welcome to play with that as they see fit. As mentioned, LILITH will be actively working on the cure, and this will be something revisited in the TDM, or on our quest board, so be on the lookout for that!

All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards October AC.

EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. LORD OF THE FOREST: On the days leading up to the 15th, kidnapped characters are brought to the dungeons to receive their punishments. The punishments are administered in a way that suggests that the followers have many years of experience, and that they are all part of a sacrificial ritual to summon the Lord of the Forest; once the ritual begins, it can't be stopped. On the morning of the 15th, LILITH is able to send out a distorted monster debrief sheet that the captives will be able to briefly see before experiencing a heavy disturbance of rift energy. Captives in the dungeons will also be able to see the Lord of the Forest, but it will disperse back into the rift after being summoned.

2. FIND THE CAPTIVES: The Outsiders figure out that the captives are held in Bran Castle; the fog gradually lifts and the outline of the castle will be visible. The villagers will do everything they can to prevent the Outsiders from reaching the castle, from using the children to persuade them to stay to more violent means. Outsiders who have a poison dagger from LILITH are able to use it on the villagers without prior clearance due to the spotty connection. Vampires are among the villagers attacking the Outsiders; if they are bitten, their bodies will feel feverish. Once Outsiders reach the castle gates, they will have to break through the castle attendants to reach the dungeons.

3. THE DUNGEON OF CASTLE BRAN: Outsiders must fight through more attendants inside the castle as they make their way down to the dungeons. The layout of the dungeons is much bigger than it may seem on the surface—with over hundreds of cells, some of which still contain the remains and personal effects of previous villagers who have been sacrificed. Bats, minions of the Lord of the Forest, will attack the Outsiders and those who are bitten may begin to lose control of themselves with a thirst for blood. Bitten Outsiders may attack their teammates as a result, and may also be more susceptible to psychic brainwashing.

4. THE FINAL RESCUE: LILITH confirms the main mission objective of rescuing all the captives and gives formal clearance to kill anyone interfering with the mission, which includes any Outsiders who may have been temporarily brainwashed. The bodies of any fallen Outsiders must be brought back as LILITH may be able to restore them. Going deeper into the dungeons will cause side effects of rift poisoning to manifest. The Lord of the Forest appears to engage the Outsiders; its ability to weaken abilities is diminished slightly due to the phases of the moon. Five to ten minutes into the battle, LILITH seals off the rift below the dungeons, allowing Outsiders an opportunity to go all in on attacking the Lord of the Forest.

5. AFTERMATH: LILITH's medical crew arrives to begin treating injured Outsiders. Those who are able to heal or have medical experience are encouraged to treat Outsiders with minor injuries to lighten the load on LILITH's medical staff. Once the battle winds down, Outsiders are given several options on what to do next: kill the followers and the villagers, but sparing the children (who will be brought to Neo Tokyo); continue assisting and escorting any injured Outsiders to safety; taking any goods from the village that will benefit LILITH, including food sources. Once completed, Outsiders will leave Transylvania to embark on the journey back to Neo Tokyo.

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Comments

Lucy/Nyuu | Revelation

[saudadist]

▶ 001. もうどこにも帰る場所が無いなら

[ If you're traveling down the hallways to find the Chosen, a turn down one hallway will land you face-to-face with Nyuu! And oh, she's so happy to see you! The smile says it all. She holds out her right hand and grins. Nevermind the meat cleaver she's so helpfully borrowed from the kitchen. ]

Where are you going? You should stay. I'll make something nice for dinner, okay? Let's go!


[ ooc: My endgoal for this prompt is for Nyuu to get violent and need to be knocked out either by someone she comes across and fights, or by falling debris caused by the chaos of the castle. Either way, she can't be retrieved without being incapacitated. ]


▶ 002. 聞こえていた声はもうない - [ joint top-level with Godzilla ]

[ In the aftermath of the battle, Nyuu's been brought back to the base in the village. It takes her some time to wake up, but when she does, Lucy's the one recovering from a nasty bump on one side of her head and an aching surgical stitching in the front of her head. Overall, a wonderful way to wake up, clearly.

She's sitting on a box in the makeshift base and gingerly touching her forehead underneath her bangs. She's already been seen to by the medics, but the lasting aches in her head won't go away. Lucy's unusually somber as well, just staring off into space while waiting for the cue for everyone to pack up and get into the cruiser. ]

...itchy.

002 Joint Top

[30storieshigh]

[ Once she was retrieved Godzilla pretty much dropped everything to stick by Kaede and look after her, his rage finally spent for the evening. His plugsuit is heavily ripped exposing some still lightly bleeding wounds, there's plenty of dried red stains on him too that is not his.

The big guy has parked himself next to the box Lucy is seated on. Laying down with his tail curled around him and licking his claws clean like an overly large cat with scales. Anyone that approaches is going to have him flashing his spines and giving a light growl of warning.

Kaede speaking up has him lifting his head to address her. ]

It shall heal. Give it time.

[saudadist]

Yeah...but it itches now.

[ She knows she shouldn't mess with it, but she can't help it. The crescent shaped stitching takes up nearly her entire forehead. It'll leave a nasty scar one day for sure. ]

Were you hurt? Fighting those things.

[30storieshigh]

Hmm. Perhaps one of the packs possessing magic can assist with the discomfort. I would caution firmly against scratching, however.

[ Honest advice without a trace of sarcasm as ever from the big guy. He's apparently pleased with the state of his claws, since now he's licking at a cut on his arm. No, no wait that's not a cut, it's dried blood by his elbow blade. ]

More than I would like. Much of my life blood fell, my energy was expanded against the kaiju, and...

[ He shifts a little experimentally, letting out a reptilian hidden of displeasure as pain shoots through his side. ]

Ah. Yes. Something is broken, or possibly sprained. Perhaps a few somethings, I am unsure. I am not that occupation of doctor.

[ At least he feels well enough to attempt bad jokes? ]

001

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou, for his part, is looking rather rough. Blood stained, and breathing heavily thanks to the effect the wolfsbane has on the air. However, despite all that blood on himself and his weapon, he doesn't look very injured.]

Ka--

[No, not Kaede. Not with that voice. He eyes up the cleaver, and then her, before taking a step back, grip tightening on his sword.

His voice is distant, but firm.]

No. We need to leave. Now.

[saudadist]

L-Leave? [ The word's spat out as if it has a bad taste to it. ] Why?

[ The blood coating him was bad enough, but fear sparks in her eyes as he takes up a hold on his sword. Nyuu back up a step with the cleaver tightly in both hands. ]

N-No...you're gonna kill me too, aren't you? That's why you came here, isn't it?!

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou doesn't let go of his sword, but he holds his other hand up in a calming gesture. Stop.]

No. We're here to get you all out of here. It's-- this place is dangerous. I want to get you out of here before you get hurt.

[He knows it's probably not very convincing, looking and sounding as he does. But he's got to try.]

▶ 001.

[blastedass]

[The Chosen. What a fucking joke. They're kidnapped, not chosen! Why the hell were they picked is a question Bakugo wants answered and obviously got on luck in that endeavor. Stalking down the hall, he's left behind a litany of bodies smoking and groaning in his wake, having been blasted through walls and ceilings or thrown clean through windows and into whatever shitty furniture decorates the castle. He glances around the corner, not wanting some damn vampire to clamp onto his head-

What the hell? Kaede? ... No that's not her. She's too happy for Kaede. It's one of her others, isn't it. Not the Bitch, though the fucking meat cleaver in one hand makes him wary about that assumption. Bakugo rounds the corner and walks towards her.]

Oy, Pink Hair. Where the hell are the others? [She doesn't look injured?]

[saudadist]

[ Nyuu's smile gives way to a pout at the nickname, and she grumbles out "It's Nyuu..." before he can get his question out.

But once he asks, oh does her face change! She shrinks back, hunching up a bit as she clings to the knife. ]

Others?

[ The attendants? She lost track of them a while ago. The other Outsiders? She remembers some of them being led away. Or...for some...

N-No. The screaming was just a dream! ]

[blastedass]

[Definitely not Kaede. Bakugo brushes aside the pouting protest as he comes to a stop within arm's length of her. He respects Kaede's speed, especially with those vectors, but doesn't know how well Nyuu is able in this body. To say nothing of being in range of that cleaver.]

The Outsiders those bastards kidnapped. The rest of your-- our allies.

[Seeing the way she shrinks back and grips the knife, Bakugo lowers his voice. It'd be nicer to talk her out of this and lead her to safety, but could he abandon all the others to take her out of here?]

We're here to bring you home.

[As much as he loathes to use that word in this world.]

1. come at him

[gundemn]

[ He trudged through the most godforsaken dungeon to find her, she's immediately getting pulled into a hug the moment he sees her alive...if not exactly well. Elan releases her to check for injuries, eyes narrowing at the stitches in her head, but it's her words that strike the most concern. She's talking nonsense much like the attendants he had fought to get here. Elan takes her by the shoulders with renewed urgency. ]

Nyuu? Snap out of it! We need to go.

[ Put the cleaver down, babe. ]

🥲

[saudadist]

Elan-san!?

[ The sudden hug earns Elan a "nyu!" of surprise. She doesn't hug back, but a smile does break across her face. The hug is unexpected but not unwelcome. If anything, she feels safer, warm. Curious.

That is, until he has the gall to suggest they leave. Her expression grows even more confused, her brow knitted, her lips tilted into a frown. ]

What're you talking about? We don't have to go anywhere anymore! Especially not that place!

[ She reaches for his face to cup his cheek. She's strangely compelled to do so, yet her other hand keeps hold of the knife regardless. ]

Stay here with me, Elan-san! The Lord of the Forest will keep us safe. We don't have to fight monsters or anything anymore!

[gundemn]

[ His expression furrows and he recoils internally at being called that name, her sweet voice reminding him of a certain innocent girl too much. He'll have to catch Nyuu up later, on that and recent developments concerning her, but right now is no time to get sidetracked. He needs to get her the hell out of here. Which judging by her reaction, isn't going to be easy.

Even knowing she's only resisting in brainwashed panic, her words pang him. A week earlier, he would've seen the appeal of settling down in the village that had appeared so welcoming to them. Out of LILITH's reach, away from the monsters and pain, Nyuu could live her life happily. If she desired, he would have run away with her in a heartbeat. But any peace in this messed up world is only a cruel illusion. A place where they can live safely and freely doesn't exist, save perhaps in his fantasies, which he'll kill now and for good. No matter how much he wants to, he can't take her where she is asking, but he can still protect her and the life they do have. Even LILITH is infinitely better than being in the hands of a mad cult.

Thinking fast, he forces his shoulders to relax. His voice softens, his once urgent tone turns warm with reassurance. ]

I hear you. I want to stay as much as you do. Who wants to go back there? [ The resentment with which he punctuates the word isn't a lie, but everything else? A well-meaning attempt to deceive her. ] What I mean is, the Lord of the Forest needs us to do something important. You didn't see what happened back in town, all the skulls that were smashed. If we don't head there and fix things up, the Lord will be disappointed.

[ He intertwines his fingers with hers and brings her hand back down to her side, tugging on it gently. ]

Come with me?

wildcard

[fursuit]

[ It’s been a day or two since they’ve made it all back from Transylvania. There’s a lingering gloom around the base, since there are faces that are missing. Faces that have been forever changed. This kaiju was one that the Outsiders hadn’t emerged from blissfully unscathed. Tezcatlipoca had warned that would be the case eventually, but he doesn’t delight in it. It simply is what it is, an inevitability that was always going to come.

So. He just continues along. Eventually, he’ll push those that linger in their sorrow to do the same, but he can at least give them some time to rest before encouraging them to shore themselves up for their next battle. In the meantime, it gives him time to finish up a personal project that he’d only just started before they’d been called away to work.

It takes him a while to find her, but once he spots the pink hair, Tezcatlipoca smiles lightly. He lifts a hand in greeting, and his expression makes it clear that he’d been looking for her in particular. ]

Yo, Lucy. [ and, you know, lest he come off too friendly and not an asshole or something, he adds: ] Still in one piece?

[saudadist]

[ It takes her a moment to recognize the blondie walking her way. Her canting head straightens up, eyes widening a moment, before she nods. Not quite a polite greeting, and worse still because she can't recall his name right away. Tez-something. Tez the Tiger? Ted Catlick? Something like that. ]

Some pieces are missing, but otherwise...I'm alive.

[fursuit]

[ It’s a little hard to tell with the tint of his sunglasses, but it does seem like he’s giving her a better look once she turns his way to respond. It’s nothing intense, but he might be seeking out the answer to his own question. But whether he notices anything amiss, that’s not clear. He just nods as he closes the last little distance between them. ]

All you ask for, sometimes.

[ There’s more that he wants to say to that, but he holds that commentary for now. He’ll get to his main point first. ]

Was lookin’ for ya because I finished a little project. Didn’t mean for it to take so long, but. [ He waves a hand dismissively. ] Wasn’t my fault. Remember that deer back in Korea?

001. time for the crazy girl power hour

[harboredfeelings]

[ Still in the midst of her own madness when Kaga sees Nyuu after turning the corner she's smiling just as brightly. Now that the Lord of the Forest has seen fit to restore their abilities she's dropped her cloak, letting her ears and tails show while she patrols the castle. ]

Dinner does sound wonderful, Nyuu-chan. [ She grins a bit wider, her fangs showing, tails twitching almost eagerly. But she shakes her head with a little chuckle. ] It'll have to wait though. I have to ensure the castle is secure, the none-believers are making a move against our Lord.

Oh I love this show

[saudadist]

[ Nyuu's relief upon seeing Kaga is immediate. Kaga is strong and kind. If anyone will be sensible, it's her!

Though at the mention of those non-believers, Nyuu tenses and her gaze darts away. As if she's expecting someone to come around the corner any second. ]

Is that what all that noise is about?

It's up for an emmy this year!

[harboredfeelings]

[ Kaga places a comforting hand on Nyuu's shoulder (fortunately it's the only hand she has badumtish) and nods seriously. Caught up in religious zeal as she may be she's not going to sugar coat things to Nyuu, her fellow Chosen deserves to know the truth. ]

Afraid so. That spear throwing red head especially has been a problem, they'll be at the castle before long.

[ Her hand leaves Nyuu's shoulder to instead gently grasp the other girl's wrist, raising it so the knife Nyuu holds is at eye level. ]

You're armed. Good. Be prepared to use it. We cannot allow the intruders to interrupt the ceremony.

2

[lostdestiny]

[ Godzilla can get bent, in Shinn's unhumble opinion, but Shinn bounds over despite the big lizard's presence once the fighting is over, looking her over with increasing distress at the bandage on her head and her somber, unfocused expression. Womp womp, another girl he wanted and failed to keep safe. ]

Nyuu!

[ He absolutely can't tell the different personalities apart by sight at this point.

Shinn himself is in decent shape physically; even if he's going to have lifelong backpain from cramming himself into a non-giant giant robot, Destiny is still effectively a giant suit of armor and prevented him from getting too badly beat up. ]

[saudadist]

[ Lucy looks up, snapped out of her daze. Clarity returns to her eyes, but upon seeing Shinn and hearing his call, a somber smile tugs at her lips. ]

Not quite. [ If he knows Nyuu, she must look quite the sight. She feels bad about it just a little. Perhaps she can make it up to him by being less caustic than usual. ] You alright?

2. i want a post battle thread too gimme the gang

[gundemn]

[ Ever since getting Nyuu out of the castle, Elan's kept close to her side, sitting with her until she woke as Kaede again and holding her against him as they rested in an arrangement which may or may not include one kaiju who's also made it his business to stick to her like glue.

Is Kaede situated neutrally between them? Are they in the world's most awkward cuddle pile? Whatever the case, with Godzilla intent on guarding her, Elan eventually figures it's safe to leave her be to pick up medicine (and honestly, while they may have reached some kind of truce he can't relax in the lizard's presence, so getting away gives him a breather).

When he returns, he has a fresh bandage over his cheek wound. In his arms are painkillers, three bottles of water, and rations. The pills he hands to Kaede. ]

Here. This might help the headaches.

OPENS MY ARMS SO WIDE

[saudadist]

[ She lifts her head as Elan draws near again. The fog around her dissipates in an instant, her eyes wide. That bandage on his cheek...when did he get that? Has he had it the whole time?

She's still staring at it as she takes the pills, numbly, automatic. ]

El...your cheek.

WILDCARD at the base

[coordination]

[ Yzak spent the flight back unconscious. Partially from The Horrors, partially from being in a pillory for the extent of his Horrors over those days and one can't exactly sleep like that.

So when he's finally, actually Awake back at the base ... he's still aching something awful, and the injuries on his legs mean he takes it slow. But he still takes it, because he needs to check in on the others who were in that castle alongside him.

He's got his neck wrapped up, a bandage over his eye and that half of his face, and what's exposed of his arms in his loose-fitting casualwear is also bandaged up. It ain't pretty! He is, still, somehow, because he's Yzak and he is an ethereal beauty.

And Lucy is one of those people he comes to see, having not seen her in medbay so now he's here knocking at the door to her room. ]

[saudadist]

[ There's a moment of shuffling before Lucy finally answers the door. She looks startled to see Yzak there, and in that condition especially. Why isn't this fool in his bed and resting? Why is he just walking around???

Dearka, come get your man!! ]

Hi?